What happens at a criminal arraignment in Brooklyn

A criminal arraignment in Brooklyn is the first court appearance after an arrest—the moment when a defendant is formally advised of charges and enters a plea. In Kings County, the arraignment is where the court determines whether you will be held or released while your case is pending, and it starts the timeline for the entire prosecution. For misdemeanor arrests, the arraignment happens at the NYC Criminal Court in Brooklyn, usually within 24 hours of being taken into custody. For felony cases, the process begins with a preliminary hearing or a grand jury presentation, and the formal arraignment on the indictment later follows in Kings County Supreme Court. At the arraignment, the judge reads the charges, advises you of your right to counsel, and asks how you plead—guilty or not guilty. New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanor and non‑violent felony charges, so many individuals are released on their own recognizance after the proceeding. Still, a lawyer is critical at this stage because pre‑trial release conditions, plea offers, and even the possibility of having the case dismissed can turn on what happens at arraignment. If you or a family member are facing an arraignment in Brooklyn, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss how Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Is a Criminal Arraignment in Brooklyn?

An arraignment is the formal start of a criminal case in New York. Under New York Criminal Procedure Law, after a person is arrested and processed, they must be brought before a judge without unnecessary delay. In Brooklyn, the arraignment is conducted at the New York City Criminal Court for misdemeanors and at the Kings County Supreme Court for felonies. The proceeding serves several key purposes: the judge informs the defendant of the charges, the defendant’s constitutional rights are explained, and the defendant enters an initial plea. If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court assigns one from the Legal Aid Society or a panel attorney. The judge then addresses the question of release—deciding whether the defendant is released on recognizance, released with conditions, or held on bail. Because of New York’s bail reform, cash bail is largely unavailable for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies; instead, release is often presupposed unless the defendant is charged with a qualifying violent offense.

For many people, the arraignment is the first time they fully understand the nature of the charges. The purpose is not to determine guilt or innocence—there is no trial, no witnesses, and no evidence presented at this stage. Rather, the arraignment sets the conditions under which the defendant awaits resolution of the case. If a plea of not guilty is entered, the court will schedule future dates for discovery, motion practice, and eventually a trial or hearing. In Brooklyn, the arraignment court operates with a high volume of cases each day, so defense counsel who know the local protocols in Kings County can often negotiate favorable pre‑trial release conditions or even the immediate dismissal of legally insufficient charges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brooklyn Criminal Arraignments

What happens if I am arrested in Brooklyn and taken to court for arraignment?

After arrest, the police bring you to the NYC Criminal Court at 120 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, where you will appear before a judge—usually within 24 hours—for an arraignment. At the hearing, the judge reads the charges and your rights, and you enter a plea. The court decides whether you will be released on your own recognizance, released with conditions, or held on bail (if the offense qualifies). A Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) may issue for certain low‑level offenses, allowing you to appear later without being held overnight.

Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Brooklyn?

Yes—having a lawyer at your arraignment can be pivotal. A defense attorney can argue for your release, negotiate with the prosecutor, and even secure a dismissal if the complaint is legally insufficient. Even though the court appoints an attorney if you cannot afford one, having your own counsel who can be present from the very beginning gives you a better opportunity to shape the outcome. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in Kings County courts.

What plea will I enter at an arraignment in Brooklyn?

At the arraignment, the typical plea entered is “not guilty.” Pleading not guilty preserves all your rights, gives your attorney time to review the case, and opens the door for plea negotiations later. If you plead guilty at the arraignment, you waive your right to challenge the evidence and will be sentenced immediately on a misdemeanor—a decision that is rarely in your best interest without careful legal advice.

How does New York’s bail reform affect arraignments in Brooklyn?

Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail is eliminated for nearly all misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies, so most defendants are released on their own recognizance or with conditions after arraignment. Bail is still available for violent felonies and a limited list of qualifying offenses. For those cases, a lawyer can argue for the least restrictive release terms. In Brooklyn, the courts frequently use supervised release programs instead of monetary bail.

What is a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) and how does it change the arraignment process?

A Desk Appearance Ticket is a written order directing you to appear at the NYC Criminal Court on a future date for arraignment, instead of being held in custody. Police issue DATs for many low‑level offenses such as petit larceny, marijuana possession (below three ounces), and other minor infractions. When you receive a DAT, you are not arrested and booked; you simply show up on the scheduled date to be arraigned.

Can charges be dropped at an arraignment in Brooklyn?

Yes—sometimes a defense attorney can persuade the judge or the prosecutor at arraignment that the complaint is legally insufficient or that further prosecution is unwarranted, experienced to a dismissal. This is more common with minor charges where the arrest lacks probable cause or where the prosecution realizes it cannot prove the case. Even when charges are not dismissed, an attorney can often negotiate a reduced charge at the outset.

What happens after the arraignment in a Brooklyn criminal case?

After the arraignment, the case moves into the discovery and motion phase. For misdemeanors in Brooklyn, the next date is typically a conference or a “calendar call” to monitor discovery compliance and explore plea offers. For felonies, the case is transferred to Kings County Supreme Court, where a grand jury will be presented and an indictment may be handed down, experienced to a second arraignment on the indictment. Throughout the process, your attorney works to suppress evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and negotiate a favorable resolution.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor arraignment and a felony arraignment in Brooklyn?

Misdemeanor arraignments occur in the NYC Criminal Court and are generally completed in one appearance. Felony arraignments may initially begin in criminal court but the felony complaint is eventually replaced by a grand‑jury indictment, with a formal arraignment later in Kings County Supreme Court. Felony cases involve more serious charges and potentially longer periods of detention if bail is set; having experienced felony counsel from the first appearance is essential.

How long does it take to get arraigned after an arrest in Brooklyn?

For most misdemeanor arrests, the defendant is arraigned within 24 hours of being taken into custody—a right rooted in New York Criminal Procedure Law. For felonies, the timeline may be longer because the prosecutor may need to present the case to a grand jury, but the initial complaint-handling process still occurs promptly. If you receive a Desk Appearance Ticket, the arraignment date may be several weeks or months out, giving you time to prepare with an attorney.

What should I bring to my arraignment in Brooklyn?

You should bring your photo ID, any paperwork given to you by the police, and contact information for your attorney. If you have been released on a DAT, bring that ticket. It is also helpful to bring documents that show you have a stable residence, employment, or family ties—these can help your lawyer argue for release without bail.

Can I speak directly to the judge at my arraignment?

No—you should not speak directly to the judge except to enter your plea and answer basic identification questions. Anything you say can be used against you later. Let your attorney do all the talking. If you do not have an attorney, you may ask the court to assign one before you answer any questions.

What happens if I miss my arraignment in Brooklyn?

Missing an arraignment—whether on a DAT or a mandatory appearance after an arrest—will likely result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. If you have missed a court date, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to assist in quashing the warrant and securing a new date before you are picked up.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor now serving as Owner and Founder—devotes a substantial part of its practice to criminal defense in New York. Mr. Sris is admitted in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey, and he leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive collective experience to criminal matters. Together, they have documented thousands of case results since 1997. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in Kings County courts, including the NYC Criminal Court and Kings County Supreme Court, representing individuals at all stages—from arraignment through trial. For a consultation about your Brooklyn criminal case, reach our location at (888) 437‑7747.

## About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor now serving as Owner and Founder—concentrates a significant portion of its practice on criminal defense in New York. Mr. Sris is admitted in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. He leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive collective experience to criminal matters at every stage, from arraignment through trial. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in Kings County courts, including the NYC Criminal Court in Brooklyn and Kings County Supreme Court, representing individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar ? Maryland Judiciary ? DC Bar ? NJ Courts ? NY OCA

Last reviewed: June 2026

Primary legal sources: New York Penal Law ? New York Criminal Procedure Law ? Kings County Courts

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